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Frameless Glass

UNEXProductsFrameless Glass

Frameless Glass Balustrades

UNEX Frameless Glass Balustrades are the ultimate solution for those seeking uninterrupted views and sophisticated design. Engineered to adhere to New Zealand Building Code standards, these balustrades combine minimalist aesthetics with robust performance, making them ideal for residential homes, apartments, and commercial projects.

Crafted from toughened safety glass or laminated safety glass with SentryGlas® interlayer, our frameless glass balustrades are available in various thicknesses, including 12mm, 13.52mm, 14.28mm, 15mm, or 16.28mm. They are securely attached using a range of stylish aluminium glass balustrade fittings, such as continuous channels, circular standoffs, and sleek stainless-steel clamps, ensuring both strength and beauty.

Metropolis (Top Fixed)

Arena Points

Panorama (Side Fixed)

GlasStrut

Glasstrut-by-UNEX

Key features of this range include:

 

  • Customisable Design: Choose from styles like Metropolis and Panorama with internal clamped channels, Arena Points with 50mm circular standoffs, or GlasStrut's 160mm tall spigots.
  • Compliance and Scope of Use: Our frameless glass balustrades are designed to meet the requirements of the NZ Building Code, including B1 (Structure), B2 (Durability), E2 (External Moisture), F2 (Hazardous Building Materials), F4 (Safety from Falling), and F9 (Means of Restricting Access to Residential Pools). Suitable for occupancy types 'A', 'B', 'E', and 'C3' as per AS/NZS 1170.
  • Pool Safety Compliance: Our frameless balustrades can be used as part of a pool barrier, with handrail options that comply with D1/AS1 regulations, ensuring safe and secure enclosures.
  • Wind Zone Suitability: Suitable for use in all wind zones, up to and including Extra High. For rare or extreme locations, additional consideration may be needed to mitigate wind reverberation effects.
  • Top and Face Fixing Options: Available for top-fixed or face-fixed applications, with specifications allowing for secure attachment into concrete, masonry, timber, and steel. Click here to view our fixing methods.
  • Durability and Warranty: All of our frameless glass balustrades come with a 10-year warranty for residential applications and are available in a wide range of powder coated finishes to suit any style.
  • Applications: Frameless glass balustrades are perfect for balconies, decks, stairwells, and pool fences (with gate hardware). These balustrades are suitable for both interior and exterior use, adding a sleek, minimalist touch to any space.

Understanding the NZ Building Code and Glass Types

No Rail Option
If your balustrade is preventing a fall and you prefer a frameless glass design with no rail, you will need to use Toughened Safety Laminated Glass with a SentryGlas® interlayer. This type of laminated glass is engineered for superior strength, featuring an interlayer that is 100 times stronger and 5 times stiffer than traditional laminates. This ensures that, even in the unlikely event of breakage, the glass remains intact and compliant with AS/NZS 2208 and AS/NZS 4223. If the balustrade is used as a pool fence and does not prevent a fall, standard Toughened Safety Glass without a rail may be sufficient.

With a Top or Side Rail Option
For frameless glass balustrades using more cost-effective standard Toughened Safety Glass that are preventing a fall, a top or side rail is required. UNEX offers a selection of six rail styles that can be paired with 12mm or 15mm Grade A Toughened Safety Glass. This option allows you to customise the look while ensuring compliance with fall protection requirements under the NZ Building Code.

Toughened glass is a safe choice for balustrades due to its strength—up to five times stronger than regular glass. If it breaks, it shatters into small, dull pieces, reducing the risk of injury compared to sharp shards from standard glass.

Compliance and Technical Support

UNEX Frameless Glass Balustrades are engineered to comply with stringent New Zealand Building Code requirements and are suitable for various occupancy types, ensuring both safety and aesthetic appeal. They have been pre-engineered and are custom-fabricated to meet the unique requirements of each project.

For architects and specifiers, our technical portal offers access to comprehensive support materials, including Producer Statements (PS1), CAD details, Revit files, and other essential documentation for specification and consenting purposes. Register here to access our full range of resources and ensure your project is compliant and well-supported.

 

Need a Site-Specific Design?

If your project requirements fall outside the scope of our standard details, our Engineering and Design teams are available to assist with site-specific solutions. Click here to submit your project details, and we’ll get in touch to help you achieve the perfect result.

 

Colour Options: Tailored Finishes to Suit Any Style

Choose from a wide range of powdercoated finishes to match or contrast with your existing decor, ensuring a seamless integration of style and function. Whether you’re looking to blend in with natural surroundings, create a striking focal point, or enhance the architectural elements of your space, our durable and versatile colour choices provide the perfect finishing touch for your balustrade.

Explore our Colour Options to find the perfect finish for your frameless balustrade, and bring your vision to life with UNEX Frameless Glass Balustrades.

Transform Your Space with UNEX Frameless Glass Balustrades!

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and discover how our elegant, custom solutions can elevate your residential or commercial space.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frameless glass balustrades are protective barriers made from large panes of glass that are supported by minimal hardware, offering an unobstructed view. They are commonly used in residential and commercial spaces, such as balconies, staircases, and pool areas.
Yes, frameless glass balustrades are designed to meet strict safety standards in New Zealand. They are typically made from toughened safety laminated glass, which is highly resistant to impact and shattering. Additionally, they are installed to ensure stability and compliance with the New Zealand Building Code.
Yes, frameless glass balustrades offer various design options, including different heights, glass thicknesses, and finishes. You can also choose between clear, tinted, or frosted glass to suit your aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
Recently, the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) has updated its regulations regarding glass balustrades. Frameless and semi-frameless glass balustrades without a top rail are no longer permitted. Compliance with the revised NZ Glazing Standard NZS 4223.3:2016 is now required, which mandates the use of interlinking handrails or alternative methods to ensure safety.
An interlinking handrail is a structural element that connects glass panels in a balustrade system, providing additional support and preventing falls. It is required to meet the new safety standards in the NZBC, ensuring that the balustrade can withstand specified loads in case of glass breakage.
The interlinking rail must be securely attached to a structural element, such as a wall or balustrade post, at the ends. It can be mounted on the top edge of the glass or attached using brackets on the side. Proper installation is crucial to ensure compliance with serviceability limits and overall safety.
For frameless glass balustrades, toughened safety laminated glass is recommended, particularly options like EVA glass or SentryGlas® with a stiff interlayer. These types are designed to enhance safety, ensuring that if a pane breaks, the glass remains held in place to prevent falls.
Yes, the cost of frameless glass balustrades can vary based on the materials used and the complexity of the installation. Systems that use SentryGlas®, for example, are typically more expensive than those using standard laminated or toughened glass. It's important to weigh the benefits of enhanced safety features against the overall budget for your project.
The size of the area you need to cover significantly influences the type of balustrade you choose, especially for extensive outdoor spaces. Experienced authorised UNEX installers play a crucial role in such cases. They can guide you to determine the optimal solution for your project, often suggesting a combination of various balustrade styles. This approach guarantees the most cost-effective and comprehensive solution.
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